is actually the US-UK ‘special relationship’ still special?

While the U.S. in addition to the U.K. might have a lot in common, Trump’s inauguration as president heralded a completely new uncertain era for the “special relationship,” although the British government was quick to congratulate Trump on his victory in addition to pledged to work with him.

Prime Minister Theresa May alluded to the relationship, saying she hoped the two countries would certainly “strong in addition to close partners on trade, security in addition to defense.”

however Trump has since ruffled the feathers of both British politicians in addition to the general public that has a range of controversial comments on women, immigrants, Mexicans in addition to Muslims. Indeed, his controversial remarks in addition to policies have made This specific awkward for the U.K. to even host the former businessman This specific week.

In fact, such was the opposition to Trump’s upcoming three-day visit, coming from Thursday evening until Sunday, of which an initial invitation to the U.K. for a state visit — where the head of state Queen Elizabeth II would certainly host the president in a visit full of pomp in addition to pageantry — was downgraded to a “working visit” amid concerns over likely widespread protests.

As many as 1.8 million Britons signed a petition in 2017 protesting against the then-planned state visit. Despite the downgrade, U.K.-wide demonstrations against Trump are still planned, with an expected 50,000 people likely to gather in London on Friday for a “Stop Trump” protest.

The itinerary for the three-day visit appears to be designed to keep Trump as far away as possible coming from the capital to avoid any embarrassment by the protests.

Permission has been granted by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, not one of Trump’s biggest fans, to allow a 20-foot-tall balloon depicting Trump as a baby to be flown over the capital. The campaigners who paid for the balloon have said This specific represents Trump’s character as an “angry baby that has a fragile ego in addition to tiny hands,” however This specific has drawn criticism for being disrespectful.